KNOXVILLE, TN & VERNAL, UTAH -- Pilot Flying J (www.pilotflyingj.com) and Western Petroleum LLC (formally Western Petroleum, Inc.) (www.westernpetroleum.net) today announced that Western Petroleum LLC has agreed to be acquired by Pilot Flying J.

Western Petroleum is a market leader in selling and transporting approximately 200 million gallons of fuel and lubricants to the oil and gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing industries. Western Petroleum's operations are largely targeted toward the Rocky Mountain states, the southern states and the northern plains. The company has enjoyed rapid growth in servicing the petroleum and natural gas drilling related channel in line with explosion of activity in that industry.

"The acquisition of Western Petroleum's operations and employing Western Petroleum's talented work force is a significant complement to an important aspect of our growth strategy. Western Petroleum's exceptional service mentality has earned a place as a key vendor to some major petroleum and natural gas drilling companies. The company has positioned itself for growth in many of the key geographic regions where hydraulic fracturing and hydrocarbon drilling activities are escalating. Pilot Flying J recognizes the energy services channel as a way to diversify its business while participating in a growth industry," said Pilot Flying J President and CEO Jimmy Haslam. "Pilot Flying J's core operational competencies should be an immediate enhancement to Western Petroleum's growth strategy and financial performance."

Perry Taylor, Western Petroleum's President and Chief Executive Officer, said "we are extremely excited to become a part of the Pilot Flying J team. They have an excellent reputation in the travel plaza and travel center business. Their expertise in petroleum transportation and fuel acquisition will allow Western Petroleum to increase its ability to service its existing customers, and quickly and efficiently enter new markets."

"Perry and his team have demonstrated a high commitment to service and safety in the energy services industry. Those qualities were critical as we evaluated this acquisition," Haslam said.

Western Petroleum LLC will operate as a division of Pilot Flying J and will continue to run under the same leadership with Perry Taylor, as President & CEO, Samuel Taylor as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, and Janis Kline as Chief Financial Officer.